Crikey media wrap: The US economy is in crisis point. But can the parties overcome political bickering in order to steady the economy?
The Democrats
Raging like a Republican
Republicans in the US are far better at being angry and passionate about a topic — whether it be authentic or manufactured is irrelevant — than their Democrat peers. And it’s costing the Democrats in Congress, notes David Weigel.
A serious discussion wiht my pit bull about Obama
My dog and I have been in serious discussion over dinner about this Barack Obama fellow, says Richard Farmer. And the verdict, he says, is not good. The dog has put him under considerable pressure to be advocating a Republican vote in 2012.
Political snippets: A bit late for that Kevin
The kind of warped judgment we came to know and love from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd survives now he is Foreign Minister.
What do we do with Barack Obama?
Rich Democrats aren’t coughing up anymore, the Goldman Sachs crowd has dropped him cold and apparently black people have soured on him too. Does anyone like Barack Obama anymore?
A US Primary primer
As the 2010 Midterm Elections roll underway in the US, NY Times covers the surprise winners and losers from Delaware to New Hampshire and examines the building momentum of the Tea Party amongst Republicans.
Democrats stocks fall on Wall St
Obama’s mission to clean up Wall Street has resulted in a dramatic decrease in political donations from big corporations to the Democrats, with a drop of 65% in two years.
BP need to pay for this, US$20m should cover it
The Democrats are demanding BPs put aside a huge chunk of cash to a third party organisation tp help clear up the Gulf spill long term. Will the move help to hold BP accountable?
Stott Despoja: Why someone needs to keep the bastards honest
Australia’s needs a credible third political force to keep our mistake-making major parties in check, just like Nick Clegg is proving to be in the UK election, says former Democrats senator Natasha Stott Despoja.
The Tea Partiers in their own (crazy) words
NY Times cleverly asked members of the Tea Party to video themselves discussing the problems of the US, proving conclusively that Tea Partiers are predominately white, old and angry with everyone.
Republicans: a bunch of swearing, slack frat boys
Obnoxious outbursts, arrogant behaviour: the Republicans were a bunch of troublesome teens determined to pester every step of the way on health reform. But does confrontational politics divide or unite? asks Reihan Salam.
Shell-shocked Democrats navel gaze on Massachusetts
There are major potholes ahead for the Democratic Party; no-one could dispute that. The Left are complaining, the Right are mobilising and the middle class independents are seeing confusion where they expect results.
An interview with (now) independent SA MP David Winderlich
Bob Gosford sits down for a chat with South Australian independent David Winderlich to discuss what it was like to resign from the Democrats, the state of democracy in South Australia and the German meaning of ‘Winderlich’.
Abbott and women are an unholy mix
Tony Abbott describes himself as a ‘conviction’ politician, but many women only see an arrogant hardliner, writes Lena Bell. Can a man who makes Wilson Tuckey look like Germaine Greer really turn things around for the party?
Glenn Beck: Since when is Obama a war expert?
The war in Afghanistan is turning into another Vietnam because the Democrats are too weak to do what they actually believe in, says Fox News mouthpiece Glenn Beck. If Obama doesn’t agree with General Stanley McChrystal, then he should fire him.
Bartlett: Why I’m running as a Greens candidate
Former Australian Democrats leader Andrew Bartlett is standing as a Greens candidate in the seat of Brisbane at the next federal election. Why is he diving back into politics? Well, climate change and affordable housing, for a start.
How to become a federal MP: the minor parties
Just what does it take to ascend to the lofty heights of federal parliament in a minor party? It seems that compared to the factionally obsessed Libs and Labor, the preselection process is a reasonably democratic one.
Keep the bastards honest, just with different watchdogs
The Australian Democrats are all but dead, but that doesn’t mean voters don’t want small parties. They just want strong ideological ideas not the “middle-of-the-road mildness of the Aussie Dems”, writes Paul Williams.
Political snippets: No government this morning
With all the media focus on the Opposition at the moment, the government are staying very very quiet. Plus, the sneaking humorous world of sub editors.
Kerr: The death of the Democrats and the small-l liberal
The last Australian Democrat MP has jumped ship, rendering the party officially dead, says Christian Kerr. But what about the party’s ideals? Is this also the end of small-l liberalism in Australian politics?
The last Democrat resigns
The sole remaining Australian Democrat MP, David Winderlich, has resigned from the party. It’s just another sign of the party’s decline, says former Democrats leader Andrew Bartlett; maybe it’s time to wind things up.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: The wage gap
Crikey readers get worked up over the wage gap between men and women, new diplomat Brendan Nelson and double dissolution. Plus, Pfizer’s official response.
Democrats’ brave foray into 21st century hits a snag
The Australian Democrats’ new website was unceremoniously pulled offline last week after a factional flame war flared between the Christian Centrists and more progressive party members, tells a Democrats insider.
